Why is the GRE so costly?

The GRE is almost always required for graduate school applications. You might be able to get away without taking it if you apply to humanities programmes, but practically every graduate school specifically needs it for STEM. This can be financially difficult for pupils from low-income households, particularly those from developing countries.

In the United States, the GRE costs more than $200. While this may not appear to be much in the Western world, it might amount to a full month’s income or more for those in developing countries. The bill does not end there; you must additionally pay for GRE prep books or online courses.

GRE prep books are the cheapest option, second only to not purchasing any prep material. Most people will only use one prep book, and if they have the money, they may purchase additional materials.

When you want to take your GRE preparation to the next level, the actual cost comes into play. Those who wish to secure their GRE achievement will frequently choose online courses. Guess how much that may set you back. Amounts ranging from $100 to $700.

Why is taking the GRE so costly?

While the GRE can be highly expensive, we must also consider the costs of running such a large organization. As citizens of a poor nation, we understand the financial difficulties that individuals encounter when pursuing an education. Given the significant rise in conversion rates year after year, converting the US dollar to my local currency is a nightmare.

We must also consider the expense of making a product available to hundreds of nations throughout the world. ETS employs tens of thousands of people. There are various departments, each dedicated to a certain duty. Consider the magnitude of an operation in which hundreds of thousands of people take the test.

Some of the largest expenditures must be attributed to the hundreds of test centers that ETS must rent across the world. Then, at these exam facilities, there are many proctors who assure fairness and security. Some employees do administrative and clerical tasks.

It’s crucial to realize that the GRE isn’t the only pricey exam. Every major standardized exam available for various professional categories or college admissions comes at a high cost. There is a rationale for the high price, believe it or not. In this brief post, we will explain why the GRE exam is so expensive.

The study guides are one item that contributes to the GRE costs. GRE preparation books are authored by many writers, and they must be compensated for their efforts. Then there’s printing, internet marketing, and distribution to consider. This testing programme offers free tools to folks who do not have additional cash. There are two free practice examinations accessible to take and study online.

Testing Facilities

The ETS exam center where the GRE is administered is not free. Fees apply in other areas that many students may not consider. For example, if you are taking an exam at a university, you can expect to pay a parking charge. So, in preparation for the real exam day, save some extra cash in your wallet for any unexpected expenses.

GRE Scores

The gateway where you booked your email will get your GRE score. Students may be required to pay a fee to have their results mailed to various locations. However, obtaining a verbal result over the phone is likewise free of charge. Overall, it should come as no surprise that having these examinations assessed incurs costs such as labor, scoring devices, and computer programming, among other things.

In conclusion

Within the United States, a student might anticipate to pay (now) $205.00 for their GRE. According to the ETS website, the cost of the GRE varies depending on where it is taken throughout the world. However, there is a waiver option available to people who cannot finance the exam. Fee waivers may be available to students who receive financial help for education.

Some GRE preparation materials and practice exams can cost up to $70. Expect additional expenses if you need scores emailed to several locations or mailed. This test is given in a variety of locations by paid proctors and testing facilities.

Exam creation, paying for software, providing prepared materials, and other factors all contribute to the overall cost of this exam and explain why the GRE is so expensive. Finally, keep in mind that this is a company, and companies exist to make a profit. However, the testing industry’s business is critical and so necessary.

GRE is currently projected to cost $205 in Hong Kong, however the pricing varies by location. For people who cannot pay the GRE but have excellent enough previous grades to apply to high school programmes, the GRE provides a waiver option. Students who are currently receiving financial help from their schools or universities may also seek a GRE cost waiver.

The costs of test centers, proctors, software, study books, and score transmitting teams all add to the overall cost of the GRE. This all explains and justifies the high cost of the GRE. Also, if you are studying for the GRE with a private or online teacher, set aside money for tutoring platform fees.

After considering all of the facts and reasoning, the answer to your question is no. After all, it’s a company, and businesses don’t operate for free or without profit.

What precisely is the GRE Fee Reduction Program?

It is an ETS programme to assist those with financial issues. Selected persons are given a coupon for a 50% reduction in the standard test price, which is $205 in most parts of the world. This coupon cannot be used with any other promotions or deals. In addition to the voucher, pupils are entitled for free study materials worth $100.

Who can benefit from the GRE Fee Reduction Program?

Persons who can demonstrate financial need, jobless individuals receiving unemployment benefits, and national programmes working with underrepresented populations are all eligible for the GRE Fee Reduction Program.

How to Apply for a GRE Fee Reduction Voucher at ETS

If you match the requirements for any of the three groups stated above, you can apply for your GRE Fee Reduction coupon directly to ETS. You must complete a fee reduction form and provide the necessary supporting evidence, such as your FAFSA SAR or unemployment papers. If your price reduction request is approved by ETS, you will get your GRE Fee Reduction voucher within two weeks of the approval date. It is important to note that you should not register for your test until you have received the voucher.